The Interim Housing Act, SB 1395 (Becker), gives local governments additional powers to build interim housing units quickly and inexpensively. Spearheaded by Senator Josh Becker, the bill is co-sponsored by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, DignityMoves, the Bay Area Council, and SPUR.
Until recently, emergency congregate “shelters” and permanent housing were the main interventions in addressing homelessness. Resources have primarily been dedicated to permanent housing due to the metrics of success and available funding. SB 1395 empowers cities to streamline the construction of interim supportive housing communities, California’s best near-term solution for bringing stability and security to its 123,000 unsheltered residents and restoring access to public spaces.
The bill extends the life of the Shelter Crisis Act by an additional ten years, a move vital for cities relying on its streamlined building codes and construction processes. Originally set to expire in 2026, the extension underscores the urgent need for continued action in a state still grappling with severe housing shortages. This urgency is what makes SB 1395 so crucial and timely.
Furthermore, SB 1395 enhances the functionality of Low Barrier Navigation Centers (LBNCs) by removing the expiration date on laws that exempt these essential facilities from the complexities of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This exemption facilitates the swift development of LBNC projects, enabling them to bypass the usual bureaucratic hurdles, thereby ensuring that these centers can be established promptly to aid those in need.
Individuals or businesses (must be on company letterhead) can submit letters of support and include a signature file. You may either submit the letter directly (on behalf of yourself or your organization) via the Legislative Portal or send it to hello@dignitymoves.org to submit on your behalf.
Thank you for your support and willingness to be a part of the solution to end unsheltered homelessness!